Princeton teen dies in wreck
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 3, 2009 1:46 PM
PRINCETON -- An 18-year-old teen driving a motorcycle died after a head-on crash involving a minivan on Saturday afternoon, authorities confirmed.
Tyler Dean Smith, a Princeton resident, died after the collision at Rains Mill Road near Old Cornwallis Road, just outside town limits, Princeton police Chief Edward Lewis said.
The accident report of Trooper D.T. Sharte, who investigated the incident, was not available early this morning at the Johnston County Highway Patrol office, a Patrol secretary said.
Sharte also was not available for comment this morning, nor were any of the sergeants assigned to the Johnston County Highway Patrol office, the secretary said.
According to a witness, the motorcycle driven by Smith seemed to be out of control before crossing the center line and striking the minivan, authorities said.
Preliminary investigation showed Smith was traveling at about 45 mph at the time of impact, a person familiar with the accident said.
Smith died on scene after suffering a broken neck and broken arms.
The young motorcycle driver was wearing a helmet, a person familiar with the accident said.